This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running.: Lessons for Between and Beyond the Start and Finish Line – A Philosophy on Resilience, Self-Trust, and Moving Forward

by Chris Bennett

From Nike Running’s Global Head Coach Chris Bennett comes a bold, welcoming book for runners, non-runners, and everyone in between. Rooted in the coaching philosophy that has helped millions take their first steps forward, it’s about finding the courage to cross the starting lines in your life.

This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running. is a deeply motivating, funny, and unexpectedly moving book about what happens when we dare to step up to the starting lines in our lives. Drawing on the philosophy that has inspired millions around the world, Coach Bennett reframes running not as a test of speed, distance, or competition—but as a practice in showing up, moving forward, and discovering what’s possible when you take a chance on yourself.

With his signature mix of positivity, pop-culture wisdom, and back-to-basics insight, Bennett strips away the pressure that keeps so many people stuck. Instead, he offers a refreshing you don’t have to be fast, fit, or fearless to be a runner. You just have to start. And once you do, running has a way of teaching you about far more than about resilience, confidence, self-trust, and the quiet power of momentum.

Whether you’re lacing up for the first time, returning after years away, or simply looking for a new way to think about progress, this book is a reminder that forward is forward, and that something extraordinary can happen when you take that first step.

Because the best running isn’t really about running at all.

It’s about life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Sports, Personal Development, Self Help, Psychology

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Coach Bennett is a serious motivator and whimsical moustache curator. A beloved voice of Nike Run Club's popular app, he writes and runs in Portland, Oregon. You might run into him there - not far from a pepperoni pizza.

Reviews

[Lilly Minasyan]

If Coach Bennett starts a cult, I will be the first one to sign up. This is not even a joke.
I’ve done so many of the guided runs with him within the Nike app and I finally met him this year in Copenhagen and I almost cried. This person truly is a gem, a great person that I really love (i know he does not know me and this is weird, but what can I do?).
The book was in a way the compilation of his guided runs and I found it very inspiring. This is not a technical running book, but it is about how to be a runner or how to unlock that you are a runner.
People, you better not give my Coach Bennett 1 star, I’m watching the ratings!

Thank you Coach Bennett for the guided runs, for the inspiration and for this book.

[Dann]

Coach Bennett is indeed still one of my favorite people I’ve never met.

This book, like his guided runs, is 40% running tips and 60% life advice, and I absolutely love the balance. Love the title. Love the book. Love the man. Love the sport.

[Gillian Burns]

Love Coach Bennett but this is pretty one-note. He leans heavily on the “let’s look at a dictionary definition of…” format to try to coach you into a positive headspace about your running.

Maybe I misunderstood what this book was going in - I thought there would be more practical training tips and mental strategies to implement. Instead, it’s effectively 200 pages of vague positivity with the odd personal anecdote thrown in for good measure.

I still love CB, so I feel rotten giving this such a low star rating, but it was all a bit same-y for me.

[martyn benny]

This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running. is one of those rare books that uses a specific subject to illuminate something far more universal. While Chris Bennett draws from the world of running, the lessons extend well beyond the road or the trail. At its core, this is a thoughtful and inspiring meditation on resilience, self-belief, and the courage to begin.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Bennett removes the intimidation that often surrounds running and replaces it with an invitation: you do not have to be fast, experienced, or even confident to take the first step. That philosophy makes the book just as meaningful for non-runners as it is for seasoned athletes.

What resonates most is the emphasis on progress over perfection. Bennett reframes success as the simple act of showing up, reminding readers that meaningful change rarely comes through dramatic leaps but through consistent, intentional forward movement. It is a message that applies equally to careers, relationships, personal growth, and everyday life.

The writing is warm, conversational, and encouraging without becoming overly sentimental. Humor, personal insight, and practical wisdom combine to create a reading experience that feels like receiving advice from a trusted coach who genuinely believes in your potential. Rather than relying on motivational clichés, Bennett offers a perspective grounded in self-trust and realistic optimism.

I also appreciate how the book celebrates the process instead of the outcome. By shifting attention away from finish lines and toward the value of simply beginning, it encourages readers to embrace challenges with curiosity rather than fear. That subtle change in mindset has the power to transform far more than a running routine.

Ultimately, This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running. is less about athletic performance than about living with intention. It reminds us that every meaningful journey begins with a single decision to move forward, however imperfectly.

Whether you're an experienced runner, someone considering their very first jog, or simply navigating a new chapter in life, this uplifting and thoughtful book offers encouragement that extends far beyond the finish line.

[Jess Ariola]

Coach Bennett has narrated hours and hours of runs for me over the years, and this book felt like exactly that- a really great run. His voice was so strong in this book, it felt like he was in my ears even though I read it on paper.

Coach B has helped me to get to many starting lines; from the 10K to the marathon. Such an enjoyable collection of ramblings. The only thing missing was Daniel the Engineer.

[Kevin Olsen]

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Bennett as one of my coaches in high school. Reading this book made me feel like I was back at the track house or in the Round Barn, listening to his stories and life lessons. For those of you who didn’t get to experience this wit and wisdom in person for four years, this book is the next best thing.

[Muneera Alfadhel]

Coach Bennett was the reason I had the courage to begin & complete my first run 6 years ago and I am forever grateful for this sport. Over the years I ran happy, I ran broken, I ran excited, I ran with tears, & through important transitional periods in my life. This book reinforces all the lessons I’ve learned along the way & introduces a bunch of beautiful ones. Definitely coming back to it. ♡

[Melanie]

I love Coach Bennett. His guided runs have been with me on every. single. run. for many years, and they got me through some really rough times, when I couldn’t dance anymore and running was the only thing that made me feel alive. When Coach Bennett tells me “you’re a rockstar” or “you’re a badass”, I actually (kind of, sometimes) believe him. With all that said, I knew I’d love this book before I’d ever read a single word.
Basically, the book weaves the essence of his guided runs into his personal story as a runner, teacher and coach. The final few chapters made me really emotional (in a good way), and, in a way, hopeful.
And now that I’ve listened to the audiobook (seriously, for the full experience, you need to hear Coach Bennett himself narrate the book himself!), I can’t wait for my printed copy to arrive. Thank you, Coach!

[Dan D'Orvilliers]

Having run "against" Coach Bennett - at least in the same state at the same time - and coached against him - again at least in the same state at the same time, this book is truly the words of an amazing "coach" and an amazing man. Whether you are a life long runner, a new runner, a wanna start runner, or even think running is for weirdos this book is for you. Because while it is about running...as the title states...it is also not about running.

[Faith J]

I love Coach Bennett because he makes running feel approachable and welcoming. As the title proves true, so much of his stellar advice IS about running, and so much of it is NOT about running.
I started listening to Coach B’s guided runs when I first started running in my late 20s. His "Grateful Run" and "Thank You Run" were on constant repeat when I got back into running after having my son too!
I’m lucky enough to live in Tracktown, USA, and have actually met Coach Bennett in person. Yes, I did tell him I sucked at running, and he proceeded to run right next to me for a whole mile. If you’re wondering whether he’s as great in person as he is on the guided runs or in this book - I can confirm he’s even better.
I read the entire book and could hear his signature voice and cadence on every page. I have a 6-hour race coming up in three weeks, and this was the exact encouragement I needed.
Thank you, Coach Bennett 🤗

[Hannah Huston]

I ran my first half marathon following the coaching of Coach Bennett with the Nike Run Club guided runs. I’ve listened to his podcast and read his Substack for years. His voice and content are so wholesome, motivating, down to earth, and refreshing. I knew as soon as I saw he had a book coming out I needed to listen to it, and I’m so glad I did! His content truly is about running, and not about running, and I will be recommending it to everyone (runners and runners who don’t currently run). I will be buying a physical copy of this book as well since there are many quotes I want to come back to that were hard to capture on audio, but 10/10 can’t recommend this book enough!

Favorite quote: “You’re going to have regrets if you’re courageous enough to live a life fully lived”

[Carina Tedeschi]

Love Coach Bennett. Feeling inspired

[Carson Smith]

The Ted Lasso of run coaching.

Coach Bennett’s philosophy around running is what made running finally click for me 4-5 years ago. Lots of retreaded ground here if you’ve heard his Nike run workouts, but good reminders.

[abby]

I listened to the audiobook today and I think I already knew that it was going to be good because I've followed the author on social media and done some of his guided runs in the Nike Run Club app. What I genuinely didn't realize though, was just how much it was going to speak to me in so many ways. "This is about Running..." I'm a runner, but I'm also a runner dealing with injury right now, and this book spoke directly to so many doubts and hesitations that I've been feeling as I deal with my recovery and not being able to run the way I want to.

There's another level to everything in this book though, and "This is Not About Running" holds true for this in so many ways. How do we deal with setbacks, with plans not going the way we want, with feeling stuck in life, with not knowing how to even start something, let alone finish it? One part that got to me in such a good way was the chapter titled "Dear Doubt", and this part especially, "Listen up now, Doubt. You need to know that I'll always be strong enough to try. I'll always be good enough to get better." There's more in that chapter that is absolutely spot on, but the reminder that it's okay to not get things right all the time, but the biggest thing is that we keep on getting back up and trying again. Starting something so that we can find our next starting line.

I might be rambling a bit right now, but please do yourself a favor and read this. Whether you're a runner or not, there's something in here for every single person who reads it and I hope that if you do read it, that just like me, it'll somehow be exactly what you needed to hear.

[Marissa Oleck]

I have been a follower of Coach Bennett for years, and I really loved this book. While many of his lessons and messages will be familiar to anyone who has listened to his guided runs or podcasts, there was something about reading them on the page that made them hit differently.

What I appreciate most about Coach Bennett is that he is so authentically himself. Maybe it’s a Jersey thing, LOL, but there’s a genuineness to the way he communicates that has always resonated with me. Over the years, I’ve realized that his messages don’t really change—and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes we don’t need a brand-new lesson. We just need to be reminded of the lessons we already know but tend to forget.

And despite the title, this really isn’t just about running. I finished this book feeling like a better athlete, but also a better mother, wife, friend, sister, and person. Coach Bennett has a way of using running to talk about so much more: showing up, giving yourself grace, being present, embracing where you are, and continuing to move forward.

If you’ve followed Coach Bennett for years, this book feels like spending more time with an old friend. And if you haven’t, it’s a pretty great introduction to why so many of us keep coming back to his words.

[Melinda Gross]

I highly recommend the audiobook! I had it preordered on Audible and was counting down the days for its arrival! If you enjoy Coach Bennett’s Nike guided runs (who doesn’t?) then this book or audiobook is for you! I will probably buy the hard copy as well since I’m such a huge fan of Coach B! The book is for anyone who has even thought of running and everyone is a runner. It doesn’t matter the pace or distance! This book is so inspiring and just what I needed as we enter into a new season. Thank you Coach Bennett for inspiring so many people to make it to the starting line!

[Karla]

Coach Bennett has been called the Ted Lasso of running...but I would argue he is far better because he is not a fictional character. He is the realest of real deals! I had the distinct privilege of doing a group coaching program (shout out Best Runner Ever) with the Coaches Bennett and it changed how I view running and myself. I pre ordered this book as soon as I knew it existed and upon receiving it in the mail I wondered what I had been thinking because CLEARLY I needed to listen to this on audio! After a multitude of guided runs, podcast episodes and live coaching sessions, I have come to truly enjoy hearing from Coach Bennett and his calm and encouraging delivery. I have been on a bit of a running hiatus and that did not interfere at all with my enjoyment of this book. Well done, Coach!

[Stef]

Coach Bennett’s guided runs got me through my early running days six years ago, and they’re one of the main reasons I never stopped running, and don’t plan to.

He has a way of making you fall in love with running from the very first word, but you’ll also carry his words with you long after the run is over, because this is about running, but this is also not about running!

The book is entertaining, inspiring, and full of the kind of wisdom that sticks with you. I had to stop the audiobook multiple times to jot down little gems of wisdom that I know I’ll like to come back to in the future.

My only complaint is that I wish it were longer :)

[Trena Balakrishnan]

Really enjoyed this book. Very lighted and easy. Loved that it was read by author.
I’m not sure where this book was recommended. Very glad I read it now. Been training for my first 5K. So many great applications from running real life (like the title says). Loved the chapter on struggles (towards end of book) and also comparing finish lines to starting lines.
May definitely read again in book form to be able to take notes and highlights.

[Grace B]

I really loved this. Part memoir, part life advice, part actual practical running tips. I was predisposed to like anything by Coach Bennett anyway, but this was honestly better than even I would’ve expected. It was moving, evocative, and funny. Thank you, Coach Bennett, for inspiring and motivating. What a gift to the sport of running.

[Courtney Cahoon White]

One thing I appreciated about this book was that it was pretty down-to-earth. Elite runners can feel like they’re in another world from us average runners, but this had enough wisdom in it to reach everyone.

[Kevin McAraw]

Why am I ugly crying during my commute

[Tonya Taylor]

Good job Coach B! That’s what I said out loud after I finished reading this book. I highly recommend ordering this book on audio or hard copy. I bought the hard copy and took my time savoring every word letting it marinate into my brain. I highlighted and wrote in the margins of the pages, little cheer notes to myself. Go out and snag this book off the shelves and get ready to cross some starting lines. Thanks Coach B cheers to you!

[Andrea]

Big fan of Coach Bennett and his guided runs in the NRC app. Each chapter read like one of his guided runs. He gives off Ted Lasso energy

[Kate Rudolph]

Craving a run right now. Gonna have to listen to this at least once a year. You could be a paid athlete or just someone THINKING about running. You would benefit from this book either way. We need more Coach Bennetts in this world. 🏃🏻

[Erica Moen]

If you haven’t heard of Coach Bennett, or coach B in my head, and you’re interested in trying running for whatever reason—this is a must. His strategies for getting new runners out there and learning about their own effort level is really valuable.

If long form books aren’t for you he does have coach-as-you-run all free on the Nike Run Club (NRC) app. This book was a lot of those coaching sessions. There’s a little back story on our coach B, but a lot of it was his coaching methods.

[Mimi❣️]

for the runners who are overachievers and sourdough bakers (didn't think this would come up as much as it did) - this has such a special place in my heart and so does Coach Bennett - I wouldn't be a marathoner without him.

[Kimberly Loner]

This is a great book, easy to read and interesting. For anyone that uses the Nike Run Club app, this is all of his guided runs solidified into short, quick chapters that are easy to internalize. I also enjoyed all his personal stories – the stories from his childhood, starting in middle school cross country, becoming a high school runner, running for the Nike farm team and trying for an Olympic trial spot, returning to his old school to also be a track coach and history teacher, all leading to the man he is today. It’s full of practical, useful advice for beginning runners, young runners, experienced runners, old runners like me and basically anyone! I would highly recommend this book and it is an easy five stars.

[Chelsea Triano]

10/10. No notes. Somehow every time I sat down to read, the chapter I was opening to was exactly the imposter syndrome crisis I was facing for that week. Will for sure continue to refer back to this.

[Ryan]

Too saccharine for me but will definitely be a motivation to others.